Tips on buying older buildings

lessonlearned

sirmosh wrote: »

I don't have much advice to give you that others haven't already. What I will say though is that unless you encounter any absolutely major issues, all the little things about owning an old house are completely negated by the fact you have a house you can truly love.

I totally agree:D

In reality no house is perfect they all have their niggles. Even my FIL who designed and built his own says it's always about compromise, the lay of plot, the orientation, local planning laws etc.

So even if you had squillions and the best builders and architects that money could buy it will never be 100% right and totally stress free.

Property ownership, any sort of property, does carry certain responsibilities and obligations. A listed building just has a few more, mainly to posterity.

I quite like the idea that as an owner of a listed building you are acting as its "custodian" and preserving it for future generations.

lessonlearned

Update.

Offer accepted, house being taken off the market immediately.

Spoke to Conservation Officer, outlined what we wanted to do with bathroom - no problem, don't even need building consent.

Mentioned downstairs loo and he said he would come and take a look and help us work out the best place to put it, but again couldn't foresee any real issues.

Re the workshop - again he said because it had a fireplace in already we would be merely reinstating it back into a reception room, therefore couldn't foresee any difficulties - again just a question of working out the best way of doing it. Same with opening up bedroom fireplaces.

The EA has said the Vendor would love to meet us and tell us all about the history and go through all the works they have done. Apparently there was a big spread about it in the local paper when the renovation works were done so the EA is going to send us clippings.

The Vendor also owns the house next door which is a similar age to "ours". Get me I'm assuming ownership already:D.

Many moons ago I actually lived next door for a few weeks staying with friends when I was between house moves. Talk about Deja vu. I feel that the wheel has turned full circle......and that I'm going back to my roots.

Keeping everything crossed we have a safe passage to Legal Completion.

phoebe1989seb

Very pleased it's all falling into place Lesson

It's good to hear you've stumbled upon an approachable CO too - I've heard both good and bad stories concerning their attitudes previously and I do think it's luck of the draw with what they believe is a sympathetic angle on a particular listed building, some believing it's better to make new additions completely 21st century whilst others prefer everything in keeping with the original fabric of the building.

I know that we couldn't even get hold of the one we needed to speak to on the phone and were unable to even arrange an appointment to meet with them to discuss the house we were hoping to buy. Our messages (several) didn't seem to be getting through

I'm sure I've also read (on the Period Property forum IIRC) that in some areas they now charge for a consultation as well as the prescribed fee for LBC, which IMHO ay even deter some people from embarking on the whole process

Do keep us posted as to how everything progresses......

lessonlearned

CO was very helpful, even gave me his direct line so won't have to go through the Council's menu when I phone.

Just had a chat with broker, he doesn't foresee any problems.

He confessed that they had all had a peek at it on RM (I will post a link later, have to get DS2 to show me how). Apparently the ladies in his office were all cooing over the pictures.

I think he was a bit more wary - especially after our last attempt. He did ask me if I had checked the garden for Japanese Knotweed.:rotfl::rotfl:

SG27

lessonlearned wrote: »

CO was very helpful, even gave me his direct line so won't have to go through the Council's menu when I phone.

Just had a chat with broker, he doesn't foresee any problems.

He confessed that they had all had a peek at it on RM (I will post a link later, have to get DS2 to show me how). Apparently the ladies in his office were all cooing over the pictures.

I think he was a bit more wary - especially after our last attempt. He did ask me if I had checked the garden for Japanese Knotweed.:rotfl::rotfl:

Oh please post a link I love looking at old houses

lessonlearned

SG27 wrote: »

Oh please post a link I love looking at old houses

Of course I will - when we have exchanged contracts.;)

I am a tad superstitious and don't want to count my chickens before they've hatched. It would break our hearts if we were to be gazumped.

Sorry I'm not suggesting any of you nice peeps on here would do that to us, but someone might just spot it and try.

We have had it taken off the market and the Vendors do sound like decent people so we are just keeping our fingers crossed.

phoebe1989seb

It sounds lovely Lesson - a perfect project house for DS 1&2 I can't wait to see it